THE ADELAIDE ROAD MURDER

THE ADELAIDE ROAD MURDER INQUEST ON WONG WAY CHING KILLED BY AN UNKNOWN ASSAILANT WHAT A BOY SAW The murder of the Chinese fruiterer, Wong Way Ching, at 100 Adelaide Road, on the night of September 11, was the subject of an' inquiry by the Coroner (Mr. D. G. A. Cooper, S.M.) at the, Magistrate's Court yesterday afternoon. Inspeotor Hendrey represented the police. Dr. 0. D. Henry, who was called to the scene of the murder about 2 o'clock on the morning of September 12, gave evidence as to the position in which, he found the body (fully clothed) in a room at the rear of the shop. Death had apparently taken place some 5 or 6 hours previously. He described the wounds on the head of the deceased, and gave it as his opinion that they were of such a nature as might have been caused by the weapon produced, in Court—an iron bar. about 18 inches in length. Dr. w. Kington Pyffe, who made a post-mortem examination of the body of the deceased, described in detail the extensive injuries to the head and face. Both upper jaws were fractured and there was an extensive fracture of the skull. There were altogether seven separate marks on the face and head, some not as serious as others. The cause of death was haemorrhage of tht brain and shock, consequent upon an extensive fracture of the skull, which could only, have been the result of direct violence. The weapon, produced in Court, if wielded by a powerful hand cculd liave caused the injuries. Death must have been almost instantaneous, Wong Chong Gong, secretary of tho Chinese Association,and a resident of 110 Tory Street, stated that he had identified the body of the deceased as that of his father, who was 49 years of age. Witness had last seen his father alive on the night of Thursday, September 10, at the rooms of the Chinese Association. So far as witness knew his father had no enemy who would have been likely to do him any harm. It was a regular practice of his father to close the shop in Adelaide Road at about 10 o'clock at night. Witness knew that his father was possessed of some £60 or £70, and that he kept no bank book. Witness had no knowledge as to where the money was kept. Tall, Silent Man in the Shop. Edward Kruger, 14 years of age, residing with his parents in Adelaide Road, remembered that on Friday evening, September 11, he was sent by his father to the deceased's shop. When he first went it was about 20 minutes to 8 o'clock. The shop was then open and the deceased, who was behind the counter, supplied the witness with tobacco. There was also in the shop a big, tall man standing against the counter, near the window. The man was not talking to the Chinese, but was just standing there. Witness went away with the tobacco, but had to return and change it as it was not the right sort. It only took witness a few minutes to get back to the shop and when he returned the tall man was still there, and the Chinese still behind the counter. They were not talking. The tall man was leaning against the counter and wore a brown felt hat pulled well down on his head and a long dark green overcoat.' Witness could not say whether he was dark or fair, but he was clean, shaven and had two prominent upper teeth: After receiving the tobacco he had been sent for witness went home and did not return to the shop. "Matthew Hendeison, a cadet, in the Harbour Board's employ, and a resident of Hanson Street, gave evidence as to passing 100 Adelaide Road at about 7.45 p.m on the way to the Drill Hall in Buckle Street: The shop was closed and witness heard some sound, like very heavy breathing, but a glance through the window snowed nothing, unusual, and witness passed on to the Drill Hall: Neil Walker McBride, custodian of the Boat Harbour at Clyde Quay, who passed the shop at about 8.30 p.m. on September 11, in company with, two others, stated that the attention of the party was attracted by the fact that the shop was closed earlier than usual. On looking through a space in the window curtain, they observed the feet of a man, apparently lying on the floor in the back room. They took no further notice and passed on. Constable Wilson, of the Mount Cook Police Station, recounted the circumstances connected with the discovery of the tragedy at about five minutes past one,o'clock on the morning of Saturday; September 12. His description of the affair tallied with the report published that day. The sum of 15s. 4d; had been found in the till after the tragedy, but no other money was found on the premises. Tiie Coroner returned a verdict that the death of deceased was due to fracture of tile skull caused by a. blow from an iron bar inflicted by some person unknown Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2273, 6 October 1914, Page 7

MAGISTRATE'S COURT.Before Mr. W. G. liiddell, S.M.) TOBACCO SALES A SIDE-LINE. CHINESE SUCCEED. DEPARTMENT'S CASE DROPPED. A somewhat interesting point hearing on tho Shops and Offices Act was decided at the Magistrate's Court, before Mr. V. G. Riddell. S.M., yesterday morning. The question was whether Chinese fruiterers who sold tobacco, etc., came with in the provisions of the gazetted regulation fixing the time of closing of shops selling tobacco, cigars, and cigarettes in the city oi Wellington. Five Chinese, Yong Lee, Kee Chong, On Kee, Wing Lee and Co., and J. Wong Wah and Co., were charged, on the information of the Inspector of Awards (Mr Le Cren), with hving failed to close their shops at 8 p.m. on Thursday last. Acting under instructions of the Chinese Consulate, Mr. E. G. Jeilicoe appeared for the defendants. The Department was represented by Mr H H Ostler. He stated that he had only received the papers on the previous evening, but after looking into them he had advised the Department that no offence had been committed, and that the prosecution could not therefore succeed He therefore asked leave to withdraw the Information. His explanation of this application for leave lo withdraw, Mr. Ostler went on to say that the mistake had arisen (through an erroneous interpretation of Sub-section. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=DOM19111005.2.9.2&cl=search&srpos=43&e=-------100-DOM-1----0chong--&st=1 Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1248, 5 October 1911, Page 3

REGISTERING CHINESE.

REGISTERING CHINESE. A WEEKLY SCENE. TAKING THE FINGER PRINTS. Is the scene a public one? It may not be intended for such, but in effect it is. It can be seen weekly, when the Sydney boat arrives. Lined up along the wall of a largo room in the Customs-Department, of which the door is always open, and clustered about the outer corridors can be seen a score or more of solemn Chinamen, their pigtails neatly braided over the hat-less heads, and almond eyes expressing various emotions. Callow young Celestials, who have torn themselves away from anxious parents, grizzled veterans who have left grand-children in the rice-fields, and every age between, may usually be seen among the Orientals. They are strangers in a strange land that does not specially want them, immigrants, who have paid their poll-tax, and are awaiting the receipt—with them their kith and kin of Wellington, who speak the tongue of the barbarians. The finger prints of those who have arrived for the first time are taken in a most elaborate way by a young cadette, who also takes tho strangers' names and addresses, and generally; puts them through their facings with a dignity of manner and decisiveness of action' whicn is most admirable.. "Ko Fung," the young lady calls, after consultation of a list, and Ko Fung steps forward more or less promptly, shakes his head to indicate that he docs not understand English, and puts himself in the hands of the interpreter. Name, origin, occupation, and destination aro with some trouble elicited, and the man has then to make hia mark. On the form which notifies that he has paid his poll tax there are spaces left for the finger prints of both his hands. Further prints are taken on a duplicate form, so that both parties may have evidence of the payment. Usually the newcomer regards this performance as fearfully mysterious. His fingers are smudged with ink, and he essays to place the tips very gingerly upon the white sheet: Placing a towel above his band, the young lady presses down quickly but firmly the ends of four fingers—first, the right hand, then the left. The name of the next Chinaman is called. Twelve Chinese arrived by the Sydney boat yesterday, but ten of them had been in New Zealand before, and when this is the case the finger prints are taken less elaborately on a sheet of foolscap for comparison with the Department's previous rccords. Several members of the Wellington Chinese colony were present to hearten up the strangers for the mysterious but brief ordeal. Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 197, 14 May 1908, Page 6

Woman fined for buying paua

A former restaurateur has been fined for twice buying black market paua. Qunying Liu's defence lawyer, Tony Thackery, told Palmerston North District Court yesterday that he was troubled as it appeared that minorities were being picked on. An undercover Fisheries Ministry worker sold Liu paua and two rock lobsters on June 23 and paua on October 9, 2009. It was part of an operation called "Deep Six" in the Whanganui region. At the time, Liu owned and operated the Hong Kong Restaurant and Takeaways on Ridgeway St, Whanganui, although the 48-year-old is now jobless. Mr Thackery said businesses like Liu's were targeted and "that's a notion that [I] struggle with because the end result is the people targeted tended to be people from minority groups." On June 23, Liu paid $50 for 5kg of paua and two rock lobsters. The paua was valued at $650. On the latter occasion, he paid $80 for 10kg of paua, worth $1300. Mr Thackery said none of the paua was sold at the restaurant. It took some time for the prosecution to get to court because Liu had returned to China to look after her sick mother. Judge Gregory Ross fined her $2600. Seven people were prosecuted as a result of the ministry sting. - © Fairfax NZ News JIMMY ELLINGHAM Last updated 12:00 16/02/2012

Tax evaders get home detention sentence

The owners of the Hungry Bull Restaurant in Bulls have been sentenced to home detention on tax evasion charges relating to $160,000. Husband and wife Chee, 54, and Lay, 52, Leong will spend the next six months confined to their house after they filed false tax returns between 2003 and 2008. Between them, the pair held on to about $160,000 they were not entitled to through underpaying their GST and income tax, and Lay Leong claiming Working for Families tax credits. In Palmerston North District Court yesterday, Inland Revenue Department prosecutor Kerryn McIntosh-Watt said the Leongs bought the business in 1989 and set it up as a partnership. An investigation into their affairs found their personal accounts had many large cash deposits made into them, as well as into investment accounts. Explanations about these payments proved inconclusive. Sales figures for the Hungry Bull also showed a lower mark-up profit – the difference between profit and the cost of goods – than expected for a takeaway operation, Ms McIntosh-Watt said. "The annual partnership income returned appeared to be low." After a lengthy untangling of the Leongs' monetary affairs, Chee Leong admitted 12 charges and Lay Leong 18. They had since repaid the $160,000. Defence lawyer Tony Thackery asked that the home detention sentence be imposed at different times, so as not to affect their business. "The Leongs present as a couple who seem to live for work." But Judge Gregory Ross was having none of that. Mr Thackery said they would normally operate their restaurant from 10am to 10pm. "The business is adjacent to State Highway 1 and provides a much-needed service, not only to residents of Bulls, but to the travelling public." The judge said tax evasion was a serious matter that robbed the government of money to spend on running the country. He dismissed the idea that the Leongs were merely "innocents abroad". "By their actions they are undermining the very nature of taxation in the country." The Leongs also had to pay $500 legal costs. JIMMY ELLINGHAM Last updated 12:00 03/02/2012 http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/6360033/Tax-evaders-get-home-detention-sentence

Last updated 01:42 03/04/2008 CRAIG SIMCOX/Dominion Post FAMILY: They eat new potatoes as much as noodles and in many other ways the Leong family - including Jack and his namesake grandson - fit the ever-changing profile of a modern NZ Asian family.

One family, two cultures

They eat new potatoes as much as noodles and in many other ways the Leong family fit the ever-changing profile of a modern New Zealand Asian family. Figures issued by Statistics New Zealand yesterday projected that the 400,000-strong Asian population would increase by 3.4 per cent a year to 790,000 by 2026. The proportion of Kiwis identifying with Asian ethnicity by that time would rise from 10 per cent to 16 per cent. Among them will be the Leongs; they classify themselves as Chinese New Zealanders and incorporate aspects of both cultures into everyday life. It is a practice that has become entrenched over three generations of the Seatoun family, with Jack Leong, 84, raising his son David as a typical Kiwi respectful of his Chinese heritage. In turn, David is raising his two daughters and son, also called Jack, 17 months, in the same way. David's wife, Angela, said the assimilation of both cultures into family life was something that had "just happened". "We didn't make a conscious decision but we were raised as Kiwis and we wanted our kids raised the same way but to still understand the traditions and customs of Chinese culture." These come to the fore particularly around how the Chinese handle the delicate issue of death. "At funerals, mourners are traditionally given handkerchiefs to wipe away the tears, lollies to lessen the bitterness and money for good luck." Her two older children, Stacey, 8, and Cate 5, have been made aware of their heritage and are encouraged to hold on to that side of it. One aspect which may already be lost is the language; Angela spoke it as a preschooler but soon lost fluency and she laments that it probably will not be picked up easily by her children. "With my parents both living in the South Island, I find the language is getting further away too." She is, however, determined that other parts of the culture will be retained. "We try and follow some traditions because we think it's important." - © Fairfax NZ News Last updated 01:42 03/04/2008 CRAIG SIMCOX/Dominion Post FAMILY: They eat new potatoes as much as noodles and in many other ways the Leong family - including Jack and his namesake grandson - fit the ever-changing profile of a modern NZ Asian family.

Sons of the soil Book Launch

Photo Gallery & Report View Book launch Photo Gallery View Otaki and Levin Photo Gallery Please note this page is currently being updated - please return in another week for full details. Hamilton mini-launch - 20 August 2012 We arrived at Hamilton Central Library at 10.30am and were warmly welcomed by Heritage Services manager Mark Caunter and librarian Barry Friend. A photo display and promotional material had been prepared by the library staff. Ruth and Lily introduced the books, Sons of the Soil and Success through Adversity. We invited Guy Young, retired grower to present the books on behalf of the Chinese Growers’ Federation. He gave a short speech about his time market gardening and the books were presented to the Hamilton, Dinsdale and Glenview libraries. Mr Ian Howatt welcomed us on behalf of NZCA and an apology was received from president Paul Chin. A number of library staff also attended the event. Article in Waikato Times Your Weekend 1 Sep 2012 (updated shortly) Photos coming soon Levin mini-launch - 22 August 2012 George Sue and the Horowhenua District Council organised a day of activities based at the recently completed council building. The day started with a talk to about 20 members of the Te Takere Coffee Club in the Council chambers. This was followed by a presentation to two Chinese students Michael Soo and Eva Loo and deputy principal Sharon Moekerk of Horowhenua College, and principal Barry Petherick of Waiopehu College. In the afternoon there was a display of photos in the Council foyer. In spite of being busy on a nice fine day several growers found time to pop in for a chat and purchase books for family members. In the evening over 100 people enjoyed a Chinese banquet at the Golden Island restaurant. An auction was held to help raise funds to complete the Chinese garden at the new Te Takere Community and Cultural Centre. Howe Young, Colin Sue and Ray Chong attended representing the Chinese Growers’ Federation. Manawatu supporters William Young, Tony Thackery and Gerald Wong also attended. Presentations were made to Mayor Brendan Duffy, Gordon Sue representing the Tararua Growers’ Association and David Young representing the Horowhenua Chinese Growers’ Association. On Thursday 23 August a supper function was held to present over 50 growers and ex-growers with their books. Nathan Guy, Member of Parliament for Otaki, was also presented with a book. His secretary accepted on his behalf. Otaki mini-launch - 23 August 2012 Anne Thorpe of the Otaki Museum organised a mini-launch at the Otaki library in conjunction with Tyrone Gow, Philip Sue, Sue Sue and others from the Otaki Commercial Gardeners’ Society. It was lovely to see some very elderly growers attending this occasion such as Jean Young, Jackson Hing, Kee Sun Young, Charman Moy and Dow Chung. There were around 60 people in attendance. Ray Chong represented the Chinese Growers’ Federation and books were presented to Norman Young, secretary of the Otaki Commercial Gardeners’ Society, Gill Browne representing Kapiti Coast District Council, the Otaki Library, the Otaki Museum and the Otaki Historical Society. Library staff were most helpful and the wives of members of the commercial gardeners’ society put on a splendid afternoon tea. Otaki Mail 28 Aug 2012 p4 [link to Otaki mini-launch photos] Hamilton mini-launch - 20 August 2012 We arrived at Hamilton Central Library at 10.30 am on Monday 20 August. We were warmly welcomed by Manager Mark Caunter and Barry Friend of the Heritage Services of the library. It was great to see a number of library staff attended. Promotional material about the event had been prepared and a photo display was mounted. Ruth and Lily were pleased to introduce the Sons of the Soil and Success through Adversity books. It was an honour to have Guy Young, a retired grower to present the books on behalf of the Chinese Growers Federation. He gave a short and interesting speech about his time market gardening and the books were presented to the Hamilton, Dinsdale and Glenview Libraries. Mr Ian Howatt also welcomed us on behalf of NZCA and an apology was received from president Paul Chin. The Waikato Times and the Hamilton Chinese Weekly were present to do a story and take photos. The next day the Waikato Times visited Guy Young’s residence and talked to Guy and Alex Shum. On Saturday 1 September the Waikato Times wrote a large feature article in the Weekender pull-out pages. We were also pleased to deliver 30 books to NZCA president Paul Chin in Te Awamutu. Levin 22 & 23 - August 2012 The evening of 21 August George Sue had organised Lily Lee’s husband Awi Riddell to speak at the Levin Rotary club. His speech was highly entertaining and well received. On 22 August George Sue and the Levin District Council organised an all day event at the beautiful recently- built Horowhenua Council building. First there was a talk at the Coffee Club in the Council chambers and a presentation to two Chinese students Michael Soo and Eva Loo and DP Sharon Moekerk of Horowhenua College and Principal Barry Petherick of Waiopehu College. In the afternoon there was a display of photos and book purchases in the Council foyer. There were growers we chatted to, who in spite of being busy on a nice fine day popped in to purchase sets of books for family members. In the evening a Chinese banquet was held at Golden Island restaurant – over 100 people attended – all tickets were sold. There was and auction and raffle to help raise funds to complete the Chinese garden at the new Te Takere Horowhenua Library. Howe Young, Colin Sue and Ray Chong attended representing the Federation. Manawatu supporters William Young, Tony Thackery and Gerald Wong also attended. Presentations were also made to the Mayor, Gordon Sue representing the Tararua Growers Association and David Young representing the Horowhenua Chinese Growers Association. On the 23 August another lovley supper function was held to about 50-60 present growers and ex-growers with their books. The secretary for Jonathan Guy MP of Otaki was also presented with a book. Otaki mini-launch - 23 August 2012 Anne Thorpe of the Otaki Museum organised a launch at the Otaki library in conjunction with Tyrone Gow, Phillips Sue, Sue Sue and others from the Otaki Growers Society. It was lovely to see some very elderly growers attending this occasion such as Jean Young and Jackson Hing, Kee Sun Young, Charman Moy and Dow Chung. There was also a good mix of Europeans and there were around 60 people in attendance. Ray Chong represented the Federation and books were presented to Norman Young, Secretary of the Otaki Growers Society, the Otaki Library, the Kapiti Coast Council (Gill Browne), Otaki Museum and the Otaki Historical Society. The Otaki Library staff was most helpful and the wives of members of the Growers society put on a splendid afternoon tea. Auckland Photo Displays Photos from the two books were on display at the launch, but such was the interest in them that the Federation have made them available to Auckland Libraries. Donated by the families whose stories are told in the books, many of the photos candidly portray life on a Chinese market garden, as it was in the early days through to what it is now. From September to Ocotber you will be able to view the photos at the following locations: Central Research Centre, Monday 3 September - Sunday 16 September Pukekohe Library, Friday 14 September - Tuesday 2 October Kumeu Library, Monday 17 September - Saturday 6 October Māngere Bridge Library, Thursday 20 September - Saturday 6 October Epsom Library, Monday 1 October - Saturday 13 October A note from Janice Lowe the Epsom Librarian: “Epsom Library Manager Kala describes the response as phenomenal! Colleague said it must be one of the most successful displays Epsom Library has had. Great response shown by library patrons. One young Chinese man asked Kelvin to explain the Sons of the Soil display at the library. A colleague heard Kelvin’s response. It was, “I’m one of the sons!” Kelvin’s been the “official” guide of the library display! Patrons have to walk past the display as they enter the library, so everyone sees the display. Patron I served has requested the books, and others have been reading the sample copies in the library. Thanks again to all involved.” Pukekohe Mini-launch and Presentation 19 September 2012 The books have a strong connection to Pukekohe growers and it seemed fitting that one of these launch ceremonies be held at Pukekohe library. At 2.00pm over 60 people, including retired growers, gathered at the Pukekohe Library to hear Ruth Lam and Lily Lee introduce the books and talk about their experiences. An exhibition of photos from the Pukekohe chapters of Sons of the Soil was put up in the New Zealand Steel Gallery in conjunction with the library’s Heritage Festival activities. Howe Young spoke about the project on behalf of the Chinese Growers’ Federation and honorary president K J Young presented books to Susan Russell, manager of Pukekohe Library, Grant Ryan, president of the Pukekohe Vegetable Growers’ Association, Eric Muir representing the Franklin Historical Society, Des Morrison, the Franklin ward councillor, and Winna Flynn, wife of the late John Flynn. Ian McKinnon, the prinicipal of Pukekohe High School accompanied by three students, accepted books for the school library. Books were also presented to a representative of Nga Hau e Wha marae. Photos from the books will be on display in the NZ Steel Gallery until Friday 5 October. The mini-launch ended with afternoon tea. Article in Franklin County News 18 and 25 Sep 2012 (coming shortly) Mangere Mini-launch and Presentation 20 September 2012 The mini-launch at Mangere Bridge began with a mihi from representatives of the three marae in the area. This was a fitting acknowledgement of the relationships between Chinese growers and local Maori. This was held at the Manger Bridge library and attended by interested local residents and of ex-growers of Mangere such as Dolly Lee, Foon Lee and Percy Luen & Jack Chong. About 60 -70 people attended. Lily shared her memories of growing up on a market garden in Mangere and Ruth shared her experiences of being involved with the book project. Ray Chong, executive member and president of the Auckland Chinese Growers Association welcomed everyone on behalf of the Federation and introduced the two books and authors. Books were presented to the three marae: Te Puea accepted by Jimmy Rauwhero, Tamaki-Makaurau accepted by Charles Huia and Ellen Wilson, the Mangere Historical Society by Janet Presland; Mangere Bridge School by DP Jan Bills, DP, Amanda Harris and students, Waterlea School by Linda Jeffares, Librarian, Onehunga High School, Principal Deidre Shea and students, Otahuhu College by Teacher-Librarian Rosie Langton and Mangere Bridge Library by Susan Waldmeyer. The Manuakau Courier covered the event. The following comments were received: Deidre Shea of Onehunga High School: “Thank you for inviting us to the lovely presentation yesterday. You were very busy after the event, and I needed to get our students back for their buses home, so we were not able to talk with you, Ruth or Ray afterwards. Our students, Lydia and Colin, found the book launch interesting and were most appreciative of the occasion, as was I. We are grateful to the Dominion Federation of New Zealand Chinese Commercial Growers, and to you and Ruth, for ensuring this part of our history is so beautifully recorded. We are also grateful for your gift of Sons of the Soil and Success through Adversity for our school library. We will treasure both.” Linda Jeffares of Waterlea School: ‘Please pass our thanks on to all concerned regarding your lovely new books. Penny and myself enjoyed the presentation event on Thursday and it was great to be able to meet the 2 wonderful authors. We are looking forward to sharing our books with our staff and children.” Susan Waldmeyer Our heartfelt thanks to Sue Waldmeyer and her team at Mangere Bridge for providing afternoon tea and accommodating us in the library. Her comments sum up the day perfectly: “I thought I should just let you know that I thoroughly enjoyed the 'mini-launch' last Thursday in "my" library, from a personal point of view, as well as a professional one. I was deeply impressed by the sense of community that was exhibited by all those who attended, and I am very pleased that we were able to host such a fine event. Another of my patrons came up to me later and said that he just had to comment on the same spirit that I found - and how moved he was by the whole presentation, and the way in which everyone got to take part. Thank you again for all the hard work that went into your book, which has been the means of bringing together all the old families as they celebrate it - something truly special.” link to Manukau Courier article http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/manukau-courier/7735869/Book-tells-Mangeres-market-garden-past] link to Mangere Bridge mini-launch photos (coming shortly) Gisborne Mini-launch and Presentation Sunday 23 September 2012 This launch was held at the Chinese Association Hall, 71 Disraeli Street, Gisborne. This was organised by Quin Wing, Meng Foon, Richard Foon and members of the NZCA committee. The photo display of ex Gisborne growers attracted a lot of attention and was enjoyed by all. A large crowd of over 80 people attended the launch including ex growers and their families, European growers, industry members and whanau members of Awi Riddell, Lily’s husband. Mayor Meng Foon welcomed the Auckland group including Colin Sue. Howe Young, CEO spoke about the project and introduced the authors. Books were presented to the Gisborne District Council, Tairawhiti Museum ( Anne Milton-Tee), HB Williams Memorial Library, Gisborne Girls High, Gisborne Boys High (Morehu Riddell), Lytton High, Te Runanga o Ngati Porou (Api Mahuika) and Te Runanga o Turanganui-a-kiwa ( Pene Brown). (Photos coming shortly) Hastings Library Mini-launch and Presentation 5.30pm Thursday 27 September 2012 The Mayor of Hastings Lawrence Yule who is also Chairman of the British Commonwealth of Mayors warmly welcomed us to Hastings. He spoke of the huge contribution that Chinese market gardeners had made to the Hawkes Bay economy. In 1981 Hastings was the first city in NZ to link with a sister-city (Guilin) in China. The event was organised by Carla Crosbie, Community Liaison and Promotions Co-ordinator and Ken Gee Hawkes Bay President of the Chinese Growers’ Association. There were about 50 who attended including Sally Russell (President) and Michael Earle of the NZ China Friendship Society, Tong Too representing the Ethnic Association, Brian Young representing NZCA, members of the Landmarks Trust, also Ewen McGregor, Hawkes Bay Councillor who is writing a history of the Hawke’s Bay AMP. Jenny Young and Eileen Gee helped with afternoon tea. Books were presented to the Mayor, the Hastings Community library and Central Hawke’s Bay Librarian, Sue Fargher. Deputy principal Clive Alderton represented Hastings Boys High and Principal Geraldine Travers Hastings Girls High. She was accompanied by the school’s International Students’ Director Jill Frizzell. A book was also presented to Karamu College. All were pleased to receive books on behalf of their organisations. Napier Library Mini-launch and Presentation 10 am Friday 28 September 2012 The manager Sheryl Reed of the Napier Library welcomed us to the event organised by Jenny Too, daughter of Federation Life member George Yee. Staff member Michelle Robinson had prepared a display of Chinese artefacts and books relating to Chinese written by New Zealand authors. Councillor Maxine Boag welcomed us on behalf of the Mayor. She spoke about her recent visit to Lawrence and visiting the Chinese Heritage camp-site. This gave her an insight into the life and hardships endured by the early Chinese goldminers. Ken Gee introduced the books and welcomed the audience on behalf of the Dominion Federation. Over 50 people including retired growers and NZCA members attended the launch. Morning tea was provided by the library. Presentations were made to Napier City ( Maxine Boag), Sheryl Reed of the Napier Library, staff members of the Hawke’s Bay Museums’ Trust, and teacher-librarians of Napier Girls High and Napier Boys High. There were no representatives from Taradale High present. Hawkes Bay Growers Association Dinner held 6.00 pm 28 September 2012 About 70 growers and ex-growers and their families attended the banquet dinner held at the Chinese restaurant in Napier. Retired grower Bill Wong had chosen a sumptuous menu for the occasion. Ken Gee welcomed everyone and said it was the 70th years of the Federation and the celebration of the launch of the two books. A special guest was Jim Clayton, aged 95 a previous Vegfed president and strong supporter of the Chinese Federation. He was presented with a set of books. The many retired growers present included Jim Lum, Alan Young, Bill Wong, David Sue, Dat Young, Joe Chee, Chris Young and others. NZCA executive, Guy Young from Hamilton and K J Young from Pukekohe also attended as special guests. Lily spoke to growers at each table and Awi Riddell concluded the evening with a summing up of the book project and a haka. Hawkes Bay NZCA Moon Festival ‘Pot Luck’ dinner 6.30 pm 29 September 2012 President Brian Young and his large NZCA committee including Jenny and Tong Too, Naya Lee organised this large Moon festival event. Over 200 adults and children attended the celebration held at Te Kura Kaupapa Maori Te Ara Hou hall. The cultural song and dance performances were done by children from various church groups were lovely. The raffling of many donated items was enjoyed by all. Lily Lee spoke about the 2 books and there was a great interest in the photos of Hawke’s Bay growers. Lily’s husband Awi Riddell taught the men a haka and the audience joined in singing Pokarekare ana to conclude the evening. Manawatu NZCA Moon Festival Dinner, Palmerston North 5pm Sunday 30 September 2012 This was an amazing community event involving old and new migrants numbering around 300. Three pigs were roasted in traditional ovens by Rodney Wong¸ Raymond Joe, Patrick Ngan and Jackson Wong. NZCA members Gerald Wong and others all pitched in helping to present an amazing feast. Tony Thackery, Chair of the Poll Tax Heritage Trust chaired the event which included a Lion dance and singing items by the children. Tom Young, Chairman of NZCA spoke and invited Howe Young and Lily Lee to speak about the books. William Young hired 10 boards from the museum and a large number of photos focussing on Manawatu were on display. Horowhenua NZCA/Growers Association members including George and Shirley Sue and David and Beverley Young came along to support the occasion. Robin Ting ( a relative of founder Andrew Chong) took photos and for their newsletter. Te Manawa Museum Presentations Palmerston North 1pm Monday 1 October The public event held at the museum was a huge success. The Lion Dance was spectacular. It was performed by Richmond Thackery, Jessica Wong, Nick Soo, Maise Cao, Yige Cao and Caleb Phung of the Manawatu Lion Dance Troupe. Deputy Mayor Jim Jefferies welcomed everyone and President of the Manawatu Growers, William Young chaired the meeting and paid to tribute to his parents and those market gardeners who had made a contribution to the Manawatu region. He also spoke enthusiastically about the book project. There was a large gathering of about 80 people, with a number of people from the Chinese community, NZCA, and the growing industry, such as Fruitfed Supplies, Ruapehu Farm Supplies, Norwood Farm Machinery, Terranova Seeds and Michie Hort Ag. There were a number of growers including Len Joe, Garland Joe, Ken Wong and Tom Young. From Pukekohe Colin Sue and Jackie Young attended along with Howe Young. Howe and Lily spoke about the book and then books were presented to the following: Palmerton North City Council, Palmerston North Library, Te Manawa Museum ( CEO Andy Lowe), City Archives (Barbara Olsen), Palmerston North Boys (Rector David Bovey), Awatapu College (Teacher-Librarian, Jeremy Kilty) Freyberg High (Teacher-Librarian, Geraldine Reynolds) Representatives of Whakarongo Primary, Palmerston North Girls, Queen Elizabeth College and Massey University were not present to receive their books. Jill Galloway, rural reporter of the Manawatu Standard was present to talk to local growers.

Sons of The Soil Wanganui

Wanganui Mini-launch and presentation Tuesday 2 October 2012 Eileen Ng President of Wanganui NZCA organised an afternoon launch at their Beijing Restaurant Function Room in Maria Place, Wanganui. About 30 people attended including Joan Rosier-Jones author of ‘ The Murder of Chow Yat’, David Feichert nd Jan Jackson from the China Friendship Society, Bruce Fork ex market gardener, Marie Fore, Betty Erikson and Lupton For descendants of Wanganui’s largest market –gardener Ngan Fore. Books were received and speeches were made by Councillor Randya Dahya for Wanganui City Council, Eric Dorfman Director of the Whanganui Museum, Debbie Wai-Kapohe, Council Arts Facilitator, Jullian Tasker of the Wanganui District Library. Ed Boyd printer of Books of Old Wanganui (Hanton and Anderson) made a short speech and Marie Fore about her growing up on the market garden. MP Chester Burrow attended briefly due to other engagements. He spoke to Lily about his father’s book on Albertland. Nibbles and tea were provided. Photos were displayed around walls for viewing.

Sons of the Soil

Ohakune Mini-launch and presentation 3 pm Wednesday 3 October 2012 There was a real ‘buzz’ at Ohakune’s mini-launch held at the Ruapehu District Council Chambers. The launch was organised by Kerry Young and attracted an audience of 50 -60 including children. Those present included all the families of current growers, the Sue’s, Young’s and Murray’s. A good number of photos of growers of Ohakune were on view as well as some photos of the goldmining era. Don Cameron Deputy Mayor welcomed everyone and talked about the Chinese market gardeners’ important contribution to Ohakune from early years to the present day. Merrilyn George author of a ‘History of Ohakune’ gave a mihi and acknowledged us. Awi acknowledged May Young as the ‘matriach’ and outstanding woman grower and sang a waiata ‘He Putiputi’. Kim Young grandson spoke about his continuing the 4th generation of family gardening. Others also spoke –a senior couple talked about the years they showed Chinese movies. Lily gave a short talk and Norman Young Director of Kim Young and Sons was invited to present the books. Presentations were made to Ruapehu Council, Ohakune Library, Ruapehu College, Bernice Frost, Waimarino Museum and Information Centre, Alison Hope, Ohakune Information Centre

My Kiwi dream Sandals, rugby and reading to kids

Dennis Chen: My Kiwi dream Sandals, rugby and reading to kids 4 By Dennis Chen 5:30 AM Tuesday Oct 9, 2012 On some days Auckland Zoo has more animals than visitors. Photo / Paul Estcourt Expand On some days Auckland Zoo has more animals than visitors. Photo / Paul Estcourt I sighed and smiled after reading Alice Wang's article "Kiwi dream's missing ingredient". Alice talks about her successful and fulfilled life as an Asian migrant in New Zealand and also of her worries about the future of this country. She has the view there is a lack of competitiveness in all aspects of life except sports. Being a father of two and a proud New Zealand immigrant from China for around 10 years, my experience in Auckland cannot differ too much from other Asian immigrants. Struggling to survive, fighting to prosper but sharing gratitude towards this land that is really clean and green. Long hours and low-paid jobs are not strange to new migrants. I once got paid $5 for working three hours without stopping. For a long period of time, around two years, I needed to pick and pack five to 10 tons of steel every working day. One of my strong grey sweaters wore out so badly while I was at work that one day it suddenly fell apart from the shoulder. Before coming to New Zealand, it never occurred to me that my migration here would be permanent. Just like many young Kiwis rushing towards Australia, it was like grabbing some quick money, dreaming of returning to my own dear homeland and starting my own business. When I mock myself: "So then, what makes you stay here so long, you silly old boy?" The answer is that my children "will have a better life". It is at least half true. I do not need to bother myself to queue up nine days and nine nights in front of a top Auckland school to get my kids enrolled there. I just need to buy or rent a house inside the school zone. My kids do not need to visit the chock-a-block Beijing Zoo with 70,000 other visitors a day. When I took my daughter to Auckland Zoo last week, I found there were more animals than visitors. Outside the zoo, there were still heaps of empty car parks. My kids can enjoy the nice late-night service Highland Park Library offers. They will never understand the free hot swimming pool in Manukau city would be beyond human imagination in other countries. They just love it. While they are growing up to be all-rounders, they might take the splendid sea view of Macleans College for granted, but I know they will be fused with the Kiwi spirit of generosity, innovation and success. They will not have a "Tiger Mother" at home. Eventually, they will come to understand how lucky it is to be a Kiwi. And what are the other reasons I like to stay on in Auckland, New Zealand? Broadly speaking, it could be there are no wars, no terrorism, no drought and no serious racial conflicts. Personally I am happy that I do not need to "kowtow" (kneeling and bowing to superiors to survive) anymore. I do not need to threaten to jump off a tall building to get paid peanuts. I know I will always get paid in time and in full (maybe even more, with overtime pay plus a bonus). I fully understand that health and safety is my company's top priority. I do not need to bow to senior managers and directors when I see them at work. I just say "Hi, Grant," or "Hello, Steve." I enjoy the little chat with my customers who, without exception, would say "You have a good day" or "You have a good weekend." to me before departing. I am still not a high achiever after so many years in New Zealand. My wife and I drive humble cars. We live in a little "chicken box" at Bucklands Beach, still pay mortgages. So what? If the "Asian work ethic" means working harder and longer, I would say goodbye to that. Work smarter, not harder is what I've learned from Kiwis. My "Kiwi dream" is now wearing sandals to the beach, watching rugby and reading Three Little Pigs to my own kids. Dennis Chen migrated here a decade ago and lives in Bucklands Beach. By Dennis Chen 4 vanillapodinc () 10:33 AM Tuesday, 9 Oct 2012 Lovely article. I can somewhat relate, also migrating from a 3rd world country, that NZ is a beautiful, wonderful country to live in. Thanks for sharing! 14 likes maxijazz () 10:22 AM Wednesday, 10 Oct 2012 Great article Dennis. I was born in NZ and have seen a lot of the world through work and personal holidays and I think that most Kiwis simply do not realise how wonderful NZ is. A lot of the people that complain about NZ have never been out of the country to see what real poverty is like. I have travelled through parts of Asia and Africa and was in tears at the conditions that some people had to endure. I am now living in Australia and living a much more comfortable life than I had in NZ but NZ will always be home. Am super happy to hear that you are enjoying our country so very much. It is indeed the small things in life that we must treasure. 0 likes Rimu (South Auckland) 10:23 AM Wednesday, 10 Oct 2012 Dennis, I loved reading your article. My parents can relate to what you say when they first migrated to NZ in the 1950s, although things were a lot different then than they are now. My mother was only a young girl of 18, her sister 10 and baby brother was 3 when they migrated to NZ with their parents, for a better education and life. My father came over as a young man in his early 20s and his parents wasn't all that rapt about it, as he was the second eldest of 13 children. My eldest sister married a Chinese man and they have five children, all grown ups now. There are 10 of us and we are all married to people of all different races and all our children reflect that. The older grandchildren are now starting to get married/partnerships and have families of their own. It is just wonderful to read a lovely and positive article about a family migrating to NZ and loving it. So I wish you and your family, many more years of happiness in NZ! 0 likes ST (Auckland Central) 10:23 AM Wednesday, 10 Oct 2012 Thanks, Dennis. I resemble your remark. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10839217

Asian eateries change NZ by keeping it real

By Lincoln Tan 5:30 AM Wednesday Oct 3, 2012 Massey University study shows fare being served up by today's ethnic restaurants is as good as that available in Asia, an achievement that is helping to alter this country's eating habits for good. Asian supermarkets offer a wide range of ethnic foodstuffs. Photo / Greg bowker Asian supermarkets offer a wide range of ethnic foodstuffs. Photo / Greg bowker Ethnic restaurants in Auckland no longer adapt their food for Western tastes and Asian food sold here is of similar quality to what is on offer in Asia, a study shows. The Massey University report, Migrant Spaces and Places, says migrants have played a key role in shaping New Zealand food but the recent wave of Asian migration has completely transformed the country's food landscape. "It was British immigrants who transformed the food of colonial Aotearoa. Chinese food, whether consumed in a restaurant, as a takeaway or in the home, gained a foothold in postwar New Zealand, especially in the 1960s," the report says. "The arrival of the first major wave of non-European migrants from the Pacific did little to alter the food of New Zealand; the same cannot be said for the migration of Asians - the food landscape of New Zealand, and especially its major cities, has been transformed." In downtown Auckland, some of the more interesting ethnic food discoveries by the Herald included an outlet that sold just chicken and duck heads, feet, liver and parts, a Korean street pancake stall, a French restaurant with escargots (snails) on the menu and a Malaysian cafe serving teh tarik, or "pulled" tea. Article continues below The report's author, Professor Paul Spoonley, said that at one Hong Kong-style restaurant the researchers visited in Meadowlands, the menu was in Chinese script and orders were taken in a mix of Mandarin and Cantonese. "The food and its presentation faithfully reproduced what you might see in a mid-range Hong Kong restaurant." Professor Spoonley, a sociologist, said that despite Chinese and Indian food retailers having been around since the 1960s, earlier restaurants served food such as chop suey and mild curries to suit Kiwi taste. "At the Meadowlands restaurant, it was a very different New Zealand to that of even late mid-20th century New Zealand in terms of who populated the restaurant, the language and feel of the place and food." Professor Spoonley said food courts, Asian supermarkets, the weekend and night markets and food sold at the various Asian festivals had "changed how and what Kiwis ate". There are now at least half a dozen food halls in the city, with Food Alley in Albert St the oldest and the recently opened Pitt St food court the newest, with international offerings including Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Indian, Vietnamese, Middle Eastern and Indonesian. An Asia New Zealand Foundation search of one Chinese directory found 1700 Chinese business addresses - mostly restaurants and food outlets - with a strong presence in Queen St, Dominion Rd, Sandringham Rd, New Lynn, Somerville and Dannemora. The search found that by 2007, there were about 400 identifiable "Asian" restaurants and food outlets in the city, more than double the number a study done in 1997 found. Xu Qi, manager of Delicious Duck King, a Chinese outlet in Queen St that serves cooked duck and chicken parts, said she was enjoying good business. "Duck heads and feet are considered a delicacy, they are very popular as a snack but some people also like to take them with rice," Ms Xu said. "Most of our customers are international students who are familiar with it, but some Kiwis treat it like a game of dare for their friends to eat it." Graphic designer Jenna O'Donnell said the availability of Asian beverages, such as Malaysian teh tarik and Taiwanese bubble tea, had changed what she has for an afternoon cuppa. "I do enjoy a caffe latte, but I quite enjoy even more the range of beverages that we can get now," said the Wellington-born 28-year-old, who was spotted sipping teh tarik at Mamak Malaysian Cafe in Chancery St. Asian-style bakeries and cake shops in the central city have also moved from serving just pies, sandwiches and sausage rolls to pork floss buns, green onion rolls and boluo bao. Karen Lee, assistant manager at Courome Cake Boutique in Lorne St, said the range of cakes and pastries was "exactly what you will find in Taiwan". Taxi-driver Glenn Thornley, 61, said ethnic food outlets had made it cheaper to eat out than "pack your own sandwiches". He said that 20 years ago, a "decent meal out" cost at least $20 but now a wide selection of lunches could be bought for $5 or less. These included Indian lunch boxes, sushi packs, Asian pancake meals, Turkish kebabs and Chinese dishes on rice and noodles. However, a new migrant workers' union, Unimeg, is warning that cheap lunches could come at the expense of underpaid and overworked migrants. "We have a lot of cases where migrant workers are not paid the minimum wage or are working for companies where they are expected to work for a labour of love," said Dennis Maga, the union's co-ordinator. "We are seeing companies that are simply exploiting migrant workers, so that they are able to sell their food at a low price." http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10837961

Let's applaud canny migrant milk entrepreneurs

5:30 AM Wednesday Oct 3, 2012 You have to feel sorry for our entrepreneur-minded migrants. We offer residency to moneyed migrants keen to set up businesses and contribute to New Zealand's economic development. But when they do just that, we are prone to pull away the welcome mat and cry foul. Take the infant formula trade. Over a short period of time, canny new citizens from China have developed an "illegal" parallel export trade in infant formula. The Customs Service and Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) estimate the business to be worth "in excess of $150 million and growing". Given that official figures record the total trade at $753 million in 2009 - up from $63 million in 1999 - this is an extraordinary achievement for these car-boot traders, particularly when established exporters complain about how hard things are. Yet do we praise these enterprising traders and present them with awards for services to export? No way; instead we get television programmes complaining about how they are stripping the supermarket shelves of product and making it hard for local mums to get baby formula. Without entering the contentious battle of breast versus bottle, lack of product on the supermarket shelves is hardly the parallel exporters' fault. Each time I see one of these agitated broadcasts, I want to yell at the screen: "Why don't you target Fonterra and the downstream manufacturers, and ask why, if overseas demand is so high, they don't give the economy a boost, and crank out more?". After all, it's not as though they're short of the basic raw material. It seems incredible that small-scale exporters, filling at least part of their orders with the help of a network of local shoppers buying at retail prices, don't just compete with the manufacturers who are shipping direct, but build a $150-million export trade. Not only does their success highlight the obvious demand in China for the product, it also suggests that instead of smooching up to Hollywood moguls, Prime Minister John Key might be better occupied putting a rocket under Fonterra and the downstream manufacturers. Instead, all we get from the Government is an announcement from Customs and MPI last week that they had begun "action to stop unlawful exports of infant formula from New Zealand". The two departments announced their investigations "have revealed substantial growth in the amount of unlawfully exported infant formula in the past year, primarily to China". Given the size of the illicit trade, it seems amazing it took this long for them to react. Katherine Rich, chief executive of the Food and Grocery Council lobby group, backed "the crackdown" expressing concern about any threat to New Zealand's international reputation "as a supplier of safe, reliable and quality food products". Claiming "New Zealand's reputation in the world infant formula market is second to none, built in some cases over many decades by companies that have developed trust in their brands by delivering quality products", she avoided the obvious - that the problem is these companies aren't delivering. Not enough, anyway. Of course preserving the reputation of New Zealand's product is vital, but Glen Neal, MPI food and beverage manager, told me there were "absolutely" no safety concerns about the parallel exported product. "That's the important message to get across." He says it's more a desire "to tidy things up" to avoid possible problems in the future. He says the main problem is with a dozen or so exporters and the first step will be to "educate" them as to the requirements, which involve registering as an exporter under the Animal Products Act and then abiding by any specific export requirements for the destination country. Prosecution would be a last resort. Mr Neal says with exports to China, the need for instructions on usage in Chinese was an obvious issue. He said China had not complained about the "illegal" trade. Earlier this year, Christchurch-based Carrickmore Nutrition launched its infant formula on to the local and Chinese market, sourcing its milk product from Fonterra. It's the added-value type of export that experts say New Zealand requires to survive. Our new entrepreneurial migrants demonstrate how hungry China is for this product. They've also proved to be much more nimble at getting it to market than existing players. I say, well done. Brian Rudman

Alice Wang: Kiwi dream's missing ingredient By Alice Wang 5:30 AM Friday Oct 5, 2012 The 'Asian' work ethic is common to all high achievers. Alice Wang says the Kiwi sporting work ethic doesn't translate into other areas. Photo / Natalie Slade Expand Alice Wang says the Kiwi sporting work ethic doesn't translate into other areas. Photo / Natalie Slade I read the opinion piece by property developer Sir Bob Jones about the positive contribution that migrant families make to New Zealand society. Being a Chinese immigrant myself, having moved here at 4, I feel like much of the "Asian" identity in New Zealand has been structured around certain characteristics, namely having a disciplined work ethic, and perhaps a willingness to work "harder" than your average Kiwi. I say "harder" because I'm not trying to make a value judgment on Kiwis being lazy - they definitely aren't - but rather, I know that my parents (as with the parents of many young Chinese) have worked extremely long hours and in low-paid menial jobs that I probably wouldn't have lasted very long at. My parents both knew how to "chi ku", meaning to endure hardship. Both came out of the better side of the cultural revolution in China with masters degrees, but had to start from scratch when we arrived in New Zealand to put dinner on the table every evening. I knew how hard my parents worked, and so I got my first proper part-time job in 4th form. Apart from having a roof over my head and food in the pantry, I have not asked for a dollar since. I paid for my own school deposits and music lessons in high school, and started giving money to my parents when I started university. This work ethic has been the subject of both admiration and also criticism. I was glad to see Bob Jones write on Tuesday: "I have boundless admiration for the courage of Asian migrants, setting out to an alien land, language and culture, so that their children will have a better life." But there are still many people who are uncomfortable with the growing Chinese population and its ability to enter into restricted courses (Medicine being a notable example) as well as their competitiveness in the workforce. What I say of Chinese applies to many other migrant communities as well, but here I wish to speak as a Chinese who has spent 80 per cent of her life in New Zealand. The idea of migrants "stealing" jobs is not a novel concept. I remember being quite shocked to discover a number of discriminatory laws in New Zealand's history: The Shops and Offices Act 1901 where the closing hours of shops were to be decided by "British" New Zealanders only, and the Factories Act Amendment Act in 1910 where the restriction of hours of work in laundries was designed to "reduce the advantages of Chinese keepers of laundries in competition with Europeans". And one only has to think back to Amy Chua's book Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother to remember the criticism from Western parents about her "Chinese" strict parenting and high expectations. I don't necessarily endorse all of the author's views, but a number of high-achieving Pakeha Kiwi university students have remarked to me since the book's publication that they had "tiger" parents too. Having just come back from a brief visit to the United States, I think what is lacking in New Zealand is competitiveness. New Zealanders push above their weight in sporting endeavours but no one criticises a sportsman or sportswoman for training too hard. In fact, we celebrate hard work and determination. Many of our national heroes come from a "zero to hero" or "rags to riches" story. Yet somehow this outlook doesn't seem to translate the same into other areas of life. The "Asian" work ethic that we like to label here is present in almost all the high achievers in the United States, many of whom are Caucasian, because every single pathway in the US is a competitive one. To get into a good high school you need to do well in entrance exams. To get into a top university (and therefore have a good shot at finding a good job), you need to work hard and start planning what you're going to put on your college application form three or four years ahead. Wasn't the American Dream all about working hard and maximising your opportunities, irrespective of your background? Isn't that what equality of opportunity, a valued ideal in New Zealand, all about? The reason that migrant families work so hard is because they come from places where there was no sense of entitlement. It's easy living in a population of 4 million because you, the individual, kind of matter. I suspect that had I grown up in China instead, I would have had to work twice as hard to get to where I am now. In many Asian countries and places like the United States, you are no more than a statistic. To get anything in life, you have to fight damn hard for it. The people do not feel like society owes them anything, and so to put their children through school and get food on the table, parents work three odd jobs and 80 hour weeks. They tell their children to study hard because they know what "really bad" looks like, and they want their children to be able to take advantage of the opportunities that the parents have worked hard to give them. I know that our customs might seem strange sometimes - even impolite, perhaps - but no one is perfect, and we don't try to be either. A little bit of tolerance and human compassion, on both sides, can go a long way. Alice Wang is a fourth-year law and arts student at the University of Auckland. She is on the university council and the organising committee of New Zealand Chinese Association's 2013 Leadership Development Conference. By Alice Wang 13 comments Add order by Latest | Oldest | Most Liked 'thats life' (West Auckland) 10:22 AM Friday, 5 Oct 2012 What can I say except "cream rises to the top" but butter and milk is good too whatever one can afford. To each his/her own and remember you reap what you sow. And rightly so "A little bit of tolerance and human compassion, on both sides, can go a long way." Well done Alice Wang. 15 likes Reply Like Report ARH (New Zealand) 10:22 AM Friday, 5 Oct 2012 Nice article Alice. My wife is a foreigner and she does believe Kiwis are lazy - and from my experience having been introduced to many foreigners its a common opinion held by those moving to this country. I tend to disagree and think perhaps we are just a bit more laidback. Foreigners who move here tend to be looking for a better lifestyle for themselves and their children - not job opportunities, at least not those who are highly educated. I think economic migrants tend to go to more prosperous countries. We are fortunate in NZ to live in a country that is uncrowded and small enough so that everyone has easy access to the outdoors, sport and recreation. These are vitally important to our health, though not necessarily our economic health. You're right that we aren't competitive enough, though. The lifestyle won't count for much as the nation as a whole gets poorer through lack of competing and associated innovation. 11 likes Reply Like Report Big T (New Zealand) 10:23 AM Friday, 5 Oct 2012 I don't see how any of this is supposed to convince me that working 80 hour weeks and spending your whole life working as hard as you can is a good way to live. China and the USA are, by all accounts, incredibly competitive places where you have to work like a madman to get anywhere. Despite everyone working so hard these countries are afflicted with massive inequality and poverty. Despite the hysteria around "poverty" in New Zealand, lazy old New Zealand remains one of the better countries on the planet to live in. More competition does not make a country better by default. The ideal human existence is not defined by "maximising potential" or "working as hard as you can". I would rather be dead than wasting my life working as hard as you suggest. In my opinion that is not a life worth living. That is not a life that brings any pleasure to the person living it. I support anyone who tries to stop that way of living becoming the norm. 19 likes Reply Like Report Therese Monroe (Glen Innes) 10:23 AM Friday, 5 Oct 2012 A very interesting article, thank you. 6 likes Reply Like Report Paul (New Zealand) 10:23 AM Friday, 5 Oct 2012 You want us to 'increase competitiveness' and generally kill and trample all over each like they do overseas yet at the same time ask for a 'bit of human compassion and tolerance'. Sorry, you really can't have your cake and eat it too. The same cultural traits you seem to endorse are probably the same reasons immigrants leave their countries as they are sick of fighting just to eat or be not be able to trust anyone. 16 likes Reply Like Report fifty-eight (New Zealand) 11:04 AM Friday, 5 Oct 2012 Thank you, Alice. I am happy as a migrant parent to see you write your feelings about the culture of most East and SouthEast Asian migrants and what makes them different when viewed from Kiwi eyes, specially the traditional ones. Your perspective is extremely better than mine having lived most of your life here. We came to NZ 6 years ago because we wanted a better future for our 2 children, academically and professionally. My wife and I then had relatively high-paying jobs in well-known firms, with free company cars, big bonuses and perks, and Masters degrees. But we left our comfort zones just to make sure our kids can start a better life in a totally new land. We struggled just to find work as our qualifications were unacceptable here. I am now a machine operator and my wife does support accounting clerk work. Though menial, our pay is enough to provide a roof and enough food on the table for the family. But we are happy when our children excel at school-all the aches and pains we endure disappear instantly. We are proud of our kids, and are also proud of you and other kids who continue to pursue their goals and make New Zealand internationally known for it's diverse talents. 19 likes Reply Like Report Andy () 01:23 PM Friday, 5 Oct 2012 It is interesting to see some people jumping up. Donot bury your head in the sands, arrogant is the enemy, for the goodness of our next generations. 1 like Reply Like Report fifty-eight (New Zealand) 01:24 PM Friday, 5 Oct 2012 Big T I don't see how any of this is supposed to convince me that working 80 hour weeks and spending your whole life working as hard as you can is a good way to live. China and the USA are, by all accounts, incredibly competitive places where you have to work like a madman to get anywhere. Despite everyone working so hard these countries are afflicted with massive inequality and poverty. Despite the hysteria around "poverty" in New Zealand, lazy old New Zealand remains one of the better countries on the planet to live in. More competition does not make a country better by default. The ideal human existence is not defined by "maximising potential" or "working as hard as you can". I would rather be dead than wasting my life working as hard as you suggest. In my opinion that is not a life worth living. That is not a life that brings any pleasure to the person living it. I support anyone who tries to stop that way of living becoming the norm. show more Just an observation: NZ has the Work-Life balance ethic. But I doubt if this is really followed or works. A migrant friend of mine went to Australia a month ago to work on same position-title in the same industry he had here. For a relatively higher salary his actual work is only a third of the work he does here. That would translate to 3 people in Australia doing the work of 1 person here. Perhaps this is the issue: cramming the work of 2 or more people into a single individual. Asians and Americans may work "harder and longer", but then their vacation/holiday perks/leaves may be better/longer than ours. Then again perhaps it really is cultural. Asians experience the difficulties working in their respective countries with little to look forward to, yet when they work with the same effort here, even with menial jobs, they get a lot more back. Another part of Asian culture that may make a difference is the family bond: the whole drove is in a single house/compound, from the grandparents to the grandchildren. Enjoying each others' company after a hectic day, even saving for all members to go to Queenstown 2 years from now is good enough for them. Competion, maybe. Perseverance, yes. Satisfiction (Northland) 01:24 PM Friday, 5 Oct 2012 I agree with most of what you say Alice, especially the comment about people discouraging others from working hard. All too often I get that comment "Don't work too hard". I'm coming to the realisation that they don't want me to work hard, because then they will feel guilty for not working hard. You don't have to work your life away, but working hard is important if you want to achieve your full potential. Observer (Wellington Region) 01:24 PM Friday, 5 Oct 2012 Hard-working (especially skilled) immigrants are awesome. The author apparently grew up in an immigrant family. Keep up the good work. Immigration truly has its place. And I commented on Sir Bob Jones' article a few days back as well. I thought he was generally wrong. I am an immigrant myself, an American, being in NZ almost 3 years now. I came in the skilled migrant route and had to hop through my share of hoops and pay a fair amount of money for the visas and residence status. And I've heard Sir Bob Jones' sentiment in my homeland (the States) from free marketers (usually rich guys owning businesses) that America, too, should throw open its borders to anybody who feels like coming in and working. And that is a bad idea. The standard of living here is such because of laws and limited immigration. To throw open the floodgates would generally cause massive of amounts of people of all stripes (but generally poor) who would compete with local Kiwi in semi- to low-skilled jobs. You'd be hurting your own, born and bred Kiwi's. But to the author's specific points in this article, I completely agree and applaud all hard-working immigrants here. deepred (New Zealand) 02:10 PM Friday, 5 Oct 2012 It seems people generally move to NZ to escape the rat race, before it causes them to collapse from what the Japanese call 'karoshi' (death from overwork). Additionally, the documentary "Race to Nowhere" chronicles American students who have been pressured to succeed, to the point where some of them can be driven to suicide. 0 likes Reply Like Report Mandah Oh () 02:16 PM Friday, 5 Oct 2012 Big T I don't see how any of this is supposed to convince me that working 80 hour weeks and spending your whole life working as hard as you can is a good way to live. China and the USA are, by all accounts, incredibly competitive places where you have to work like a madman to get anywhere. Despite everyone working so hard these countries are afflicted with massive inequality and poverty. Despite the hysteria around "poverty" in New Zealand, lazy old New Zealand remains one of the better countries on the planet to live in. More competition does not make a country better by default. The ideal human existence is not defined by "maximising potential" or "working as hard as you can". I would rather be dead than wasting my life working as hard as you suggest. In my opinion that is not a life worth living. That is not a life that brings any pleasure to the person living it. I support anyone who tries to stop that way of living becoming the norm. show more I think you have interpreted the article a little wrongly. She isn't saying working an 80 hour week is ideal, she was saying that the older generations have had to work damned hard to make a living for their families and this gives motivation to their children to get qualifications and work hard through early life so they don't end up doing the same hard weeks as their parents. I do agree that the "ideal human existence is not defined by maximising potential" but in this day and age, we have no choice but to work. That is why so many people strive to their best with the opportunities that are given to us. I am a university student myself and I would LOVE not to have to get a degree and work my way up in a career; it shouldn't be what life's about. Life should be about making ends meet for everyone in everyway, then maybe we ALL be happy. David Chan () 02:32 PM Friday, 5 Oct 2012 Thank you for sharing this article with us. I understand New Zealand has a lack in competitiveness, but in a way we can be seen to be a more ethical country than that of larger and more competitive countries such as China (the government/ living standards)or America (central banks of america). In a certain degree its a good thing but in another degree we lack improvement. Being a Chinese person who lived here for over twelve years, I certainly think we need to push ourselves but not in away which we over promote competition.

Minimart a big hit with budget-conscious diners

By Lincoln Tan 5:30 AM Wednesday Oct 3, 2012 Budget-conscious diners are turning to a central city minimart on Wakefield Street for cheap "cook-it-yourself" noodle meals. S-Mart, a Korean supermarket, provides a hot water dispenser for customers to cook instant noodles purchased there, and wooden benches and tables for people to dine. It has become a hit for students and central city workers, especially at lunch time. Emma Lim, 27, a travel consultant, said rent and power price rises in the last year have left her with less money to spend on food, but eating out for her was "something of a necessity rather than a luxury". "I'll go crazy if I had to eat at my desk, or go straight home every day to cook," she said. "Eating at S-Mart is probably the cheapest option, where a couple of dollars can buy you noodles and a drink." Customers who buy instant noodles that come packaged in disposable cups or bowls can cook it with the boiling water from the dispenser, and eat them with the store-supplied wooden chopsticks. S-mart assistant manager Lena Lee said the cheapest cup of noodles cost $1.20, but those on special could go as low as 90 cents, and the costs started at $1 for a Korean canned drink. "What we provide is similar to some convenience stores in Asia, so generally, Koreans, Chinese and Japanese people are quite familiar with the concept of cooking their own noodles," she said. "It's getting to be very popular in Auckland, and during lunch times, sometimes we don't even get a chance to breathe." Peter Kim, 22, an AUT computer science undergraduate, said he had instant noodles at S-mart at least twice a week, not only because it's cheap, but he likes his lunches hot. "Having a hot bowl of noodles beats having a cold sandwich anytime," he said. "Besides, a sandwich would probably cost more." Madis, a kiosk inside S-mart, also provides a cheap gimbab (Korean sushi) lunch option, where customers can choose what they want to be added to their seaweed rice roll. The choice of fillings include tuna, bulgogi (barbecued beef), ham, cream cheese and prawns, and customers get to also choose the type of rice and sauces they want. Owner Sun Soo Na describes her operation as "like Subway for gimbab". The gimbab rolls come in a five or 10-piece pack, priced between $3 and $6.50. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10837968

More Kiwis kicking into Asian sports

More Kiwis kicking into Asian sports By Lincoln Tan 5:30 AM Thursday Oct 4, 2012 More Kiwis are turning to Asian martial arts, drumming and even lion dancing rather than play rugby or soccer on the sporting fields. From Thai kickboxing to taekwondo and taichi, clubs and activities introduced after the second wave of non-European migration since 1987 have given New Zealanders plenty of alternatives to the tradition of playing sports in the weekends. Marcel Taukamo, 22, grew up playing rugby on Saturdays but now spends weekends practising Chinese kung fu after a friend introduced him to a Pakuranga club three years ago. "As a kid, of course I had dreams of being an All Black, but I think it's just all a bit over-rated, now that I've found something better" he said. "With kung fu you learn to control your mind and use internal strength, but with rugby, it's just brute strength and it's just pretty shallow." Michael Wells, the manager for Tamashii Taiko Drummers, said the group began in the 1990s for Japanese migrants to practise the ancient form of percussion drumming arts. But now just a couple of its 48 members are Japanese, with most being Kiwis, American, South Africans, Brazilian and other Asians. "I think a lot of us are accepting these as not just ethnic clubs, but activities that all of us can embrace and enjoy," said Mr Wells. Rachel Morgan, 29, a Unitec music lecturer who has been drumming for two years, said she liked Taiko because it helped her "improve rhythm" and gives her "a good workout". "As someone who teaches music, I see this as far more beneficial to me than either playing a sport or going to the gym," Miss Morgan said. AUT engineering student Isaiah Esteban, 23, spends his Sundays practising lion dancing. Filipino-born Mr Esteban has been with the E-Pacs lion dance troupe since 2006, and says it has helped him understand another culture. "I've learned a lot about religions like Buddhism and the kind of values and traditions that are important to the Chinese," Mr Esteban said. The troupe's founder, Peter Low, said lion dancing "teaches discipline, physical co-ordination and also helps the practitioner be more confident". "the emphasis for teamwork here is far greater than normal team sports." Massey University sociologist Paul Spoonley said these migrant-introduced clubs and activities had "enriched Auckland culturally" but had also significantly reduced the pool of participants from which sporting organisations could select players. Our Asian migrant hall of sporting fame Born South Korea: Lydia Ko, golfer Youngest person ever to win an LPGA Tour event South Korea: Danny Lee, golfer Youngest ever winner of US Amateur Championship in 2008 China: Li Chunli, table tennis 2002 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Migrant Kiwi Olympians 2012 South Africa: Alexis Pritchard (boxing), Glenn Snyders (swimming), Moira De Villiers (judo), Vaughn Scott (taekwondo), Chris Harris (rowing) Nigeria: Amaka Gessler (swimming). South Korea: Robin Cheong (taekwondo) England: Hayley Palmer (swimming), Jim Turner (sailing), Ria Percival (football), Susannah Pyatt (sailing), Anna Green (football), James Musa (football), Thomas Smith (football), John Storey (rowing) India: Siona Fernandes (boxing) USA: Jenny Bindon (football), Alexandra Riley (football), Rebecca Smith (football) Denmark: Lina Villumsen (cycling) Australia: Stephanie Hazard (sailing), Alana Millington (hockey), Mahe Drysdale (rowing) Germany: Shane Smeltz (football) Ireland: Sean O'Neill (rowing) Croatia: Marina Erakovic (tennis) Zimbabwe: Ryan Sissons (triathlon). http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10838249

White faces will soon be a minority

he social shift was also aided by the Immigration Act 1987, which radically changed migrant entry to New Zealand. Requirements were based on individual characteristics, skills and money rather than preferred source countries. Between 1986 and 2006, the numbers born in Asia and now resident in New Zealand increased by 661 per cent, with the Chinese (899.4 per cent) and Indians (841.6 per cent) dominating growth. Over that time the number of overseas-born Pacific people also doubled, and migrants from other countries, such as Africa, also increased. Professor Spoonley said older age groups might struggle to come to grips with this "huge change". Auckland Chinese Community Centre chairman Arthur Loo, a local-born Chinese, counts himself among those who would be "uncomfortable" if there were more Asians, Pacific and Maori than Pakeha in Auckland. "I wouldn't want Pakeha to be the minority. I think we as New Zealanders have got to acknowledge what the founding peoples of New Zealand were, and it's Maori and people from the United Kingdom," Mr Loo said. He said Auckland should remain a city that kept New Zealand's "Maori-European heritage". "I mean all societies evolve, but I certainly won't want to see the Anglo-Saxon or the English culture subjugated in any way because they, in a large part, have made what is New Zealand and that's why we're here," Mr Loo said. "They were responsible for building New Zealand to what it is today, and other people come and we take advantage of that." By Lincoln Tan By Lincoln Tan 5:30 AM Monday Oct 1, 2012

Melting-pot reality okay with New Zealanders

25 years after New Zealand abolished nationality preference for immigration, a week-long Herald investigation looks at the impact immigrants have had on the country's largest city Asian culture and festivals are now becoming mainstream. Photo / Paul Estcourt Asian culture and festivals are now becoming mainstream. Photo / Paul Estcourt New Zealanders are accepting ethnic diversity as "part of our reality" and most no longer view migrant communities with suspicion like we did in the 1990s. Almost seven in 10 Aucklanders in a Herald street poll said they were comfortable with the ethnic diversity in Auckland, and 72 per cent said they have a close friend or friends outside their own ethnic group. More than six in 10 also felt New Zealand society today was "multicultural" and slightly more than half said they would be comfortable even if Asians, Pacific and Maori outnumbered Europeans in the city. These were some of the findings of a survey of 214 Aucklanders taken at Albany, Botany, New Lynn and the central city between September 22 and 30. Massey University sociologist Paul Spoonley said the results showed New Zealanders have gone from being suspicious of migrant communities to one of acceptance and acknowledgement of the contribution of migrants. Article continues below "We had that period early on post-1987 when we were unsure about Asian migration," he said. "But these figures shows that it has become accepted much more as part of our reality as Aucklanders and as we think about the future, where Pakeha would become a minority, is not that frightening." Professor Spoonley said the street poll findings were consistent with recent studies, including an Asia New Zealand Foundation study of Kiwi perceptions on Asia, where 21 per cent said they had felt warmer towards Asian people in the past year. In that survey, more than four out of five agreed Asians contributed significantly to New Zealand society and 83 per cent rated the Asian region as important or very important to New Zealand's future. "In terms of public opinion polling, the two countries that currently stand out are Canada and New Zealand, and it doesn't matter what the questions that you ask about the effects of immigration, the positive answers tend to be 60 per cent and higher," he said. "If you go to Europe, it tends to be 50 per cent or lower, and Australia too [seems] to be dropping away." The Herald poll found 76 per cent said ethnic diversity was a good thing and 63 per cent saying their experience of diversity had been positive. Professor Spoonley said there had been a huge change in attitudes towards migrants in the past decade and believed that positive answers would have been significantly lower if the same questions had been asked in the 1990s. New Zealand has had a "history of intolerance towards Asians" since colonial times, especially towards the Chinese who were considered an "inferior" race, he said. Online encyclopedia Te Ara said: "Chinese were considered racially inferior to white people and their culture was seen as a threat. "Their habits were viewed as strange, and they were seen as 'drug-besotten sin-begotten fiends'." Professor Spoonley said politicians, like Winston Peters, capitalised on this in the 1990s by making inflammatory remarks about Asian migration to win votes. But recent efforts to stir similar anti-Asian sentiments in Auckland last year by political activist group the Right Wing Resistance "failed to get off the ground", he said. "In the scheme of things, we as New Zealanders have come an incredibly long way in terms of how we view diversity," Professor Spoonley said. "Today a majority of Kiwis are just embracing and enjoying what ethnic diversity brings," he said. University of Auckland professor of Asian studies Manying Ip said greater interaction between people of different ethnicities has helped in increasing the feeling of warmth, and the internet has also helped raise Kiwi awareness about Asia. "It has been an ongoing trend of greater acceptance of Asians in recent times, and this is mainly due to a greater awareness of Asia and an increase in meaningful social interaction with Asians, especially in Auckland," Professor Ip said. She said many of those who did not have friends outside their community were newcomers, mostly people from China or Korea, who struggled with English and lacked the confidence to socialise. "But this will be a one generation thing, because their children will definitely be socialising with people who are not just of their own ethnicities in schools," said Professor Ip. By Lincoln Tan 5:30 AM Monday Oct 1, 2012

Migrants good for NZ - the more the merrier

There's an old boxing aphorism which speaks for itself, namely a hungry fighter is a good fighter. Make no mistake, those thousands of Asians - mainly Indians and Chinese, but also large numbers of Thais, Koreans, Malays and Filipinos - pouring into New Zealand are very hungry fighters indeed. The evidence confronts us daily. Whether it's the amazing 15-year-old Korean-born Lydia Ko or the annual secondary schools top scholars' photographs published in newspapers which are dominated by Asian kids, or the corner shops with their Indian families keeping them open 19 hours a day, seven days a week, or so many of the new CBD retail business start-ups being Chinese, the energy of these migrants amounts to a huge boost for New Zealand. Their behaviour is patterned. The first generation work their butts off, mostly self-employed, albeit often in menial activities. At home they drive their kids to study hard, aiming for conventional higher-income professions such as medicine and accounting. I have boundless admiration for the courage of Asian migrants, setting out to an alien land, language and culture, so that their children will have a better life. My company provides university scholarships for humanities students (the bogus data-collecting sociology and such like "subjects" excluded). Years ago I told Auckland University I wanted the scholarships confined to migrants' children. That proved a joke for, as I said, they stick to the straight and narrow of accounting, medicine etc and thus we had no applicants. Henceforth, we'll cover these for them anyway, knowing that their third generation will branch out on their own initiative from the orthodox professions. Two years ago, I was guest speaker at the Katherine Mansfield Society's annual prize-giving for the capital's 30 or so college essay contest winners, this staged in Mansfield's childhood home in Wellington, now a museum. Afterwards, chatting to the winners, I met a pretty Shanghai-born girl. She wore the uniform of a private girls' school through which I've put waves of daughters and others over the decades, and thus know the cost. She said her dad was a taxi driver, which said it all. Probably he's driving 60 hours a week to eke out a living, of which a third or more is going on school fees. It's a common story. Never before in history has there been as much mass migration as today. If, in many cases, they're fleeing war-torn countries, the evidence is clear that host nations are ultimately enhanced by the contribution of different cultures, despite occasional teething problems. But most are economic migrants and we should welcome them to our welfare-sated nation. They bring with them an independent mentality and self-respect, sadly non-existent with a large section of our population. The American expression of the melting pot is undoubtedly an important factor in that nation's success. We should copy it and woo migrants from non-traditional sources. Aside from the very welcome Asians, we're now getting heaps of Argentinians and Middle Easterners. We should also exploit Europe's woes and set up immigration offices in Greece, Spain and Italy. In the early 1950s, after the devastating Netherlands flood plus Indonesian independence, thousands of Dutch migrated here. They introduced coffee-shops - now so much part of our lives. So, too, ornate bricklaying and stonework. Before their arrival we were using only red bricks. The descendants of the 19th-century Dalmatian gum diggers have had a hugely positive impact on New Zealand. They started our first wineries, for example, and today their Slavonic names are common-place in sport, commerce, politics and other aspects of public life. Perhaps best of all is inter-marriage. Once only Maori spouses softened our ancestors' coarse Anglo-Saxon/Celtic features. Now it's open slather and it's indisputable that the outcome is overwhelmingly aesthetically better. Racial intermarriage is now a world-wide phenomenon, which ultimately may mean no natural blondes left. Auckland's vigour and growth are largely attributable to its being a migrant destination, whether from Dunedin, Damascus or Dalmatia; hungry fighters all. Our history has always been one of migration, we having no indigenous people. Australian cities' vibrancy is attributable to post-war mass migration from non-traditional sources, and we should emulate their winning experience. By Bob Jones 5:30 AM Tuesday Oct 2, 2012